Thomas Tuchel's face said it all - a mixture of relief and concern etched on his features as England scraped past New Zealand 1-0 in their World Cup warm-up match in Tampa. The Three Lions may have won, but it was far from a convincing display, with the manager surely left wondering what might have been under different circumstances.
The match was akin to a dogfight - both sides trading blows, but neither able to gain a decisive upper hand. England's performance was a testament to their resilience and determination, but also highlighted the areas where they still need to improve. The scorching heat in Tampa added an extra layer of complexity, making it all the more impressive that they managed to secure three precious points.
While the win will have boosted team morale, Tuchel's reaction suggests there's still work to be done before England takes on the best teams in the world at the World Cup. These warm-up games are a chance for the coaching staff to fine-tune their tactics and identify areas where they need to strengthen - and it's clear that there are some rough edges that need smoothing out.
As the team looks ahead to the tournament, the question on everyone's lips is: what happens when the heat turns up? Can England adapt to the varying conditions they'll face in Qatar? The answer will only come with time and practice - but one thing's for sure, Tuchel and his team won't be satisfied until they've perfected their game.
This result may have been a small step forward, but it's clear that England still has some significant strides to make before they can compete with the big guns at the World Cup. The focus now shifts to the final warm-up games and training sessions - can Tuchel's men iron out their wrinkles and become a force to be reckoned with in Qatar?